Conceptualizing the Role of Higher Education in Promoting SDG-Aligned Entrepreneurship

This conceptual paper studies the important role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in promoting entrepreneurship that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a comparative analysis of Sabah, Malaysia, and Tarakan, Indonesia, the study investigates how regional socio-economic contexts influence the integration of sustainability principles into entrepreneurship education. Drawing on frameworks such as the Triple Bottom Line and Institutional Theory, the paper emphasizes the significance of aligning academic curricula, faculty development, and university-community partnerships with SDG objectives. Key findings highlight the importance of addressing gender inclusivity, fostering green entrepreneurship, and overcoming contextual challenges to enhance entrepreneurial intentions. The proposed framework provides actionable strategies for HEIs to cultivate an ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, contributing to regional and global sustainability goals. As a conceptual study, this paper relies on secondary data and theoretical frameworks to explore the role of higher education institutions in promoting SDG-aligned entrepreneurship. While this approach provides valuable insights, the absence of primary data limits the empirical validation of the proposed hypotheses and frameworks. Future research is encouraged to incorporate quantitative and qualitative data through case studies or surveys to substantiate the findings and enhance their generalizability.